Chapter 14: Until I Surprised Him

Ethan's POV 

“Why would you do that to her? How does it make you any different from the other nobles who exploit the omegas? The omegas are wolves; just like the rest of us, only weaker. But we should really cut them some slack; they could have great potential, other than domestic work." 

I began to wonder why Kieran always thought the worst of other people; even of me.

Whatever goes on in this palace never skips my knowledge, yet he thinks I'm so ignorant.

I'm fully aware of his interest in this omega, but I want him to put himself out first. I've known him long enough to understand that coaxing words out of him always ended in useless.

"How about we head up to my chambers? We could talk some more, and this is quite a sensitive conversation to have out here. Some privacy could do,” he requested.

“Fine." 

This time, I tailed him. Once inside, I bolted the door behind us.

“There's a lot I have to tell you, Ethan. You seem quite ignorant of the happenings in this palace." 

I was running out of patience, but one should never express displeasure in the Alpha directly.

I took a seat opposite him by the huge mahogany desk in the far corner of the room, next to the window. At least, he had to go on believing what he already thought of me—until I surprised him.

“What's going on, Alpha Kieran?" 

I watched as he exhaled, probably piecing up the most admissible parts of the story in his head. 

“I've found my fated mate," he began. 

My head shot up quickly. I hope he wasn't referring to the omega? He locked eyes with me and then swallowed before he continued. 

“I've sensed our mate bond, but she hasn't, or can't - and I don't know why.”

“Unless the mate in question is Lady Seraphina, I do not see the need for strife or sudden alertness on your part. But I don't understand why you think she doesn't or can't sense your mate bond—she's literally the most viable wolf for Luna." 

If he was willing to risk it, he'd spill the beans; but the Kieran I know prefers control over vulnerability. The position of being the centre of his interest is usually a very painful one, especially if you show enough softness. 

"Ethan, this isn't about Lady Seraphina, but she's not a bad option either; just that her motives feel tainted. So, no matter how pleasant she tries to be with me, it'll always be the case of walking on eggshells.”

I watched his eyes dart in every direction. He was still trying to hide the most obvious thing. I heard he was caught by Lady Seraphina with an Omega.

"Then, who is this mystery mate? Did you mark her?” book

His Adam's apple bobbed. 

"I did mark her, and I feel that was too rash of me. I was thinking of myself, not considering her safety or mine. At this point, she can be used to attack me, or I might be played into harming her.”

I feigned both surprise and concern.

"Seems like one really nasty situation. Have you thought of rejecting her openly? It would correct a lot of things.”

"But it might break her,” he retorted. 

"Is that care, Alpha Kieran?” I chuckled, knowing that I was on the winning end, confirming what my informant had told me.

"From all you've told me, you care about this person; I'm not sure how deep, and it seems your bond is…forbidden.”

Forbidden. I dropped my tone gravely, and watched his features go from worried to lost. 

"Alpha Kieran? You're lost in thought again. Who's this mate?”

Just then, things came crashing down out of Alpha Kieran's closet. Both Kieran and I sprang to our feet, already alert and ready for attack or defense.

I motioned for him to stay back while I went over to check out who or what caused the disturbance.

I watched the pile pulse with breathing, but it halted as I approached it. It was definitely a who.

I pulled off the heavy cloak to reveal a terrified female Omega, clutching a broom tightly. 

How long had she been there?!

"What are you doing here, Omega?” I demanded as I yanked her up by the arm and dragged her back to the desk.

"An extra ear, do we eliminate it? We don't know how much she has heard.”

Kieran motioned for me to let her go. Her fear was written all over her, as she was visibly shaken. Her face was red with embarrassment.

“Ethan, this is my personal attendant, Lyra. She'll oversee my meals, the cleaning of this chamber, and my laundry," he introduced the Omega quite casually.

The dots were rather too easy to connect. On instinct, my eyes scanned her neck, but she had her scarf on.

Bummer! Till I could confirm, she wasn't the one. 

“But you don't have to be so sneaky about it, okay?!" I yelled at her, causing her to flinch even more.

Lyra nodded forcefully and looked at Kieran, as if expectant of punishment of some sort. 

His eyes fell on the heavy red velvet cloak that lay on the floor. His coronation cloak. I remember how I had needed assistance to get it on him that day. It should keep her busy for the rest of the day.

“That cloak is a special one, and you let it lay on the floor. I perceive it's now dirty. Go wash it, and I want it back this evening. Failure means further punishment," he ordered.

Her lips quivered. “But that cloak requires the strength of two men. I'm too weak to wash it all by myself!" She complained.

“Did anyone get it to the ground with you?" He asked, fixing her a hard stare that made her avert her gaze. “You wouldn't have been in this situation if you didn't have your nose in issues that do not concern you." 

Her shoulder slouched in acceptance of her fate. The sight amused me. She struggled to bundle up the cloak, and had a difficult time carrying it. She staggered badly beneath its weight. Soon, we were alone again. 

“You look a bit too happy for someone who was offended by his favorite cloak getting dirty, Alpha Kieran," I cited.

He shrugged.

“As long as she's doing her job, I really don't mind. Now, she'll have something doing to make up for the time she spent idle, listening to our conversation. What do you think?" 

I laughed an airy laugh. 

“She might forget the whole point of the conversation by the time she's done with the task. Perfect idea." 

The image of the Omega didn't leave my eyes. She was gentle on the eyes, but a bit too weak from all the hard work. Since she didn't belong to Kieran yet, I could give her a try; perhaps confirm my suspicions in the least. 

“But I still don't know who this mystery mate is," I pointed out, trying to sound invested.

“Let's leave that for now. You'll know when the time comes. For now, let her remain a mystery.” 

“I could also protect her when you can't,” I insisted in a bid to cajole him into giving me a hint, or just come clean.

“Leave the protection to me; I'll handle that."

His eyes were as firm as his tone.

I excused myself and exited his chambers. I had to see my informant later on to ask some necessary questions.